Genny iannucci biography of albert

Interview with Armando Iannucci

What's been your inspiration in putting the series together?

I'd describe The Thick Of It as Yes, Minister meets Larry Sanders - Gary Shandling's American sitcom about the behind-the-scenes activities of a late-night primetime chat-show host.

The Larry Sanders Show, though very funny, buried its comedy in authenticity; the viewers felt they were not only watching something that was very funny, but it must be pretty much like what actually goes on.

Genny iannucci biography of albert

I wanted to get this same smack of realism.

Are the characters based on any real-life political figures?

They're an amalgam of recognisable types. Malcolm Tucker isn't meant to be Alastair Campbell, but more a personification of many, many different people who lurk in Number Ten and who go around Ministries telling people what to do - or who ring up journalists and shout at them for not writing what they want.

Will viewers recognise them?

I hope they're shocked to find ou